Are you looking for a car that can do it all? A car that is practical, fun, fast, and affordable? A car that can take you from the grocery store to the race track without breaking a sweat? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you need to check out the Toyota GR Corolla. This is the latest and greatest creation from Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division, which is responsible for some of the most exciting cars in the world, such as the GR Yaris, GR Supra, and GR 86. The Toyota GR Corolla is a hot hatch that can compete with the best of them, such as the Honda Civic Type R and the Volkswagen Golf R. But what makes the Toyota GR Corolla so special? And how does it compare to other hot hatches in the market? In this article, we will answer these questions and more, as we tell you everything you need to know about the Toyota GR Corolla.

What is a hot hatch?

A hot hatch is a term used to describe a hatchback car that has been modified to offer high performance and sporty handling. Hot hatches are popular among car enthusiasts because they combine the versatility and practicality of a hatchback with the thrill and excitement of a sports car. Hot hatches are usually based on regular hatchbacks, but they have upgraded engines, transmissions, suspensions, brakes, wheels, tires, and aerodynamics to make them faster, more agile, and more responsive. Some of the most famous hot hatches in history include the Volkswagen Golf GTI, the Peugeot 205 GTI, the Renault Clio Sport, and the Ford Focus RS.

What makes the Toyota GR Corolla special?

The Toyota GR Corolla is based on the E210 series Corolla, which is one of the best-selling cars in the world. However, the Toyota GR Corolla is not your ordinary Corolla. It has been extensively modified by Gazoo Racing to make it a track-ready beast. Here are some of the key features that make the Toyota GR Corolla stand out from the crowd:

• A 304hp, 1.6-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine: This is the same engine that powers the GR Yaris, but it has been tweaked to produce more power and torque. The engine has a triple-exit exhaust, a new cooling system, larger exhaust valves, and a part-machined intake port. The engine delivers 304hp and 370Nm of torque, making it the most powerful Corolla ever made.
• A 6-speed intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT): The Toyota GR Corolla comes with a manual gearbox that has an iMT function, which automatically rev-matches the engine speed to the gear speed during downshifts. This makes the shifts smoother and more responsive and also reduces the stress on the clutch and the transmission.
• A GR-FOUR All-Wheel Drive system: The Toyota GR Corolla has an advanced all-wheel-drive system that can distribute the torque between the front and rear axles according to the driving conditions. The system has three power settings: Normal, Sport, and Track. In Normal mode, the torque split is 60:40 (front: rear), in Sport mode, it is 30:70, and in Track mode, it is 50:50.
• A GR circuit-tuned suspension: The Toyota GR Corolla has a specially designed suspension that enhances the handling and stability of the car. The suspension features MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear, with stiffer springs, dampers, and anti-roll bars. The car also has a lower center of gravity and a wider track than the standard Corolla.
• A Circuit Edition variant: The Toyota GR Corolla is available in three grades: Base, Premium, and Circuit Edition. The Circuit Edition is the most exclusive and expensive variant, and it comes with some extra features that make it even more track-focused. These include:
  • Front and rear Torsen limited-slip differentials, which improve the grip and cornering response of the car.
  • Forged carbon fiber roof, aluminum bonnet, and front doors, which reduce the weight of the car.
  • High-mounted rear spoiler, hood bulge, and air vents, which enhance the aerodynamics and cooling of the car.
  • Red-painted GR 4-piston front brake calipers with ventilated and slotted rotors, which improve the braking performance of the car.
  • 18-inch sports wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires, which offer better grip and traction.

How does the Toyota GR Corolla compare to other hot hatches?

The Toyota GR Corolla is not the only hot hatch in the market. Many other competitors offer similar or even better performance and features. However, the Toyota GR Corolla has some advantages that make it a worthy contender. Here are some of the main differences between the Toyota GR Corolla and other hot hatches:

• Engine: The Toyota GR Corolla has a unique 1.6-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine that produces 304hp and 370Nm of torque. This is more than the Honda Civic Type R (306hp and 295Nm) and the Volkswagen Golf R (315hp and 310Nm). The Toyota GR Corolla also has a distinctive sound that sets it apart from the rest.
• Transmission: The Toyota GR Corolla comes with a 6-speed manual transmission with an iMT function, which is rare in the segment. Most of the other hot hatches offer automatic or dual-clutch transmissions, which may be faster and easier to use, but less engaging and fun. The Toyota GR Corolla’s manual gearbox gives the driver more control and involvement in the driving experience.
• Drivetrain: The Toyota GR Corolla has an all-wheel drive system that can vary the torque split between the front and rear axles, as well as between the left and right wheels. This gives the car more traction and stability in different road conditions and driving modes. The Toyota GR Corolla also has manually adjustable torque splits that let the driver choose how much power they want to go to the front and rear wheels (60/40, 50/50, or 30/70). This allows the driver to customize the car’s behavior and performance according to their preference and skill level.
• Suspension: The Toyota GR Corolla has a GR circuit-tuned suspension that is stiffer and lower than the standard Corolla. This improves the car’s handling and cornering abilities but also makes the ride harsher and less comfortable. The Toyota GR Corolla’s suspension is not adjustable, unlike some of the other hot hatches that offer adaptive dampers that can change the stiffness and height of the suspension according to the driving mode or the road surface.
• Price: The Toyota GR Corolla is expected to cost around $30,000 for the Base grade, $35,000 for the Premium grade, and $40,000 for the Circuit Edition grade. This makes it cheaper than the Honda Civic Type R ($38,450) and the Volkswagen Golf R ($44,640). The Toyota GR Corolla offers great value for money, considering the performance and features it offers.

What are the specifications of the Toyota GR Corolla?

The Toyota GR Corolla is a compact car that measures 4,375mm in length, 1,790mm in width, and 1,435mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 2,640mm and a ground clearance of 135mm. The car weighs 1,474kg for the Base and Premium grades, and 1,440kg for the Circuit Edition grade.

The Toyota GR Corolla has a 1.6-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine that produces 304hp at 6,500rpm and 370Nm of torque at 3,000-4,600rpm. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox with an iMT function. The car has an all-wheel drive system with three power settings: Normal, Sport, and Track. The car can accelerate from 0 to 100kph in about 5 seconds and has a top speed of 250kph (electronically limited).

The Toyota GR Corolla has a GR circuit-tuned suspension that consists of MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear. The car also has electric power steering, a vehicle stability control system, an anti-lock braking system, an electronic brake-force distribution system, a brake assist system, a hill-start assist control system, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

The Toyota GR Corolla has a 5-seater cabin that features a sporty and functional design. The car has a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a 6-speaker sound system, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with paddle shifters, a leather-wrapped gear knob, sports seats with GR logos, dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry and start, a rear-view camera, a head-up display, and a wireless charging pad. The car also has a range of safety features, such as airbags, seat belts, a pre-collision system, a lane departure alert, a lane tracing assist, a road sign assist, dynamic radar cruise control, a blind spot monitor, a rear cross-traffic alert and a parking assist.

The following table summarizes the main specifications of the Toyota GR Corolla:

How much does the Toyota GR Corolla cost and when will it be available?

The Toyota GR Corolla is expected to go on sale in the global markets in early 2023. The car will be available in three grades: Base, Premium, and Circuit Edition. The prices of the car have not been officially announced yet, but they are estimated to be around $30,000 for the Base grade, $35,000 for the Premium grade, and $40,000 for the Circuit Edition grade.

The Toyota GR Corolla is a hot hatch that offers a thrilling driving experience with its powerful engine, agile handling, and sporty design. The car is a result of Toyota’s Gazoo Racing division’s expertise and passion for motorsports. The car is expected to be a hit among enthusiasts who are looking for a practical and fun car that can perform well on both the road and the track. The Toyota GR Corolla is the ultimate hot hatch of 2023, and you don’t want to miss it.